As the Sr. Category Manager, Fresh Food - Enterprise Food & Beverage across Murphy USA QuickChek, you will lead our largest area of the food & beverage business. You will be responsible for owning food strategy and driving successful implementation and execution. This individual will collaborate closely with the Director of Enterprise Food & Beverage Category Management with, amongst other things: strategy development, merchandising initiatives, product mix, placement, pricing, partner/vendor negotiations and team leadership.
This individual will work closely with internal partners to analyze existing business and be responsible for helping to drive strategy, innovation, and strong financial performance across the category. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills, curiosity, attention to detail, high energy, agility, and sound business acumen. This individual will be able to operate in a flexible, fast-paced environment that is highly collaborative and team-oriented.
This is a high visibility role with opportunity for growth within Enterprise Food & Beverage and across the broader organization.
Some benefits for this role include:
401(k) dollar-for-dollar matching up to 6%, as well as a 3% Annual Retirement Contribution from the Company (Matching vests immediately, ARC after 3 years)
Annual STI (Short-Term Incentive/Bonus) based on company and individual performance
Health, Dental, Vision insurance
Company-paid Life Insurance, with supplemental insurance options available
Responsibilities
Develop and implement the strategic plan for food product lines.
Manage the area end-to-end with a focus on strategy, execution, financial results (P&L)
Remain informed about market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape to identify new growth opportunities.
Establish and maintain relationships with partners, suppliers, vendors.
Negotiate terms, pricing, and agreements with vendors to optimize costs and maintain product quality.
Assist in selecting the right mix of products for the category based on customer demands and market trends.
Collaborate with Analytics/Revenue Management to set pricing strategies.
Assist in planning and executing promotional campaigns to drive sales and customer engagement.
Analyze sales data, market research, and customer feedback to make informed decisions about assortment adjustments and pricing changes.
Develops annual category plans which include current situation analysis, vision/strategy, and specific category plans. Plans include assortment and positioning, product improvements and development plans, projected revenues and gross profit, display, price, promotion and communication to stores.
Performs routine analysis and verification of plans.
Works with Marketing Department on advertising/promotions for assigned category.
Prepare and present reports on category performance and key metrics.
Collaborate with marketing, sales, operations, analytics and other departments to align category strategies with overall business goals.
Performs routine SKU rationalization and works closely with suppliers and operations
Assist in the launch of new products, including market research, pricing, and promotional planning.
Expect to travel ~25% of the time
Qualifications
A minimum of 5-7 years of full-time experience (10+ years preferred) specifically in category management - ideally in the quick service restaurant ("QSR"), convenience store, food & beverage, and/or multi-unit retail industry. Knowledge of market trends, and customer preferences is a plus.
An agile, continuous improvement mindset with a strong curiosity & desire to learn.
Ability to lead a team as well as influence others across the organization, including senior leadership
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
Proactive, with an ability to see things through from start to finish.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
Previous experience in category management, retail, or a related field is beneficial.
A personal reputation for honesty & integrity.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
Self-aware, humble, and willing to be a player-coach in a fast-growing part of the business.